✔ 最佳答案
1. It is possible, but not recommended. See below.
2. In order to apply K-1 Visa, your boyfriend must be petition for you (using USCIS Form I-129F). Upon approval, the U.S. Consulate will contact you for interview and further process. Your travel visa will be eventually canceled because K-1 is a dual-purpose visa (it is a non-immigrant visa with the intention to immigrate).
3. K-1 processing time is highly depended on USCIS. So best estimate about 3-6 months. For detail on documents needed, please refer to:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a10e4154d7b3d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD
4. Yes. You should not leave because the application takes about 6 months to 1 year. In the case of K-1, no if you can produce all the documents needed.
5. K-1 Visa is only valid for 90-day stay in the United States (since it is designed as a bridging visa for immigration). Therefore, you must get married with 90 days of staying and adjusting your status.
When you are adjusting status, technically you hold no status at all (The official term is I-485 pending). That's why you can't leave as there is no guarantee you can get back. However, employment authorization can be authorized if you apply I-485 at the same time (and it is free).
"See Below":
Basically there are 4 ways to apply for permanent residency:
1. I-129F > K-1 > Get Married > I-485 + I-765 > IR / CR
2. Get Married > I-130 > K-3 > I-485 + I-765 > IR / CR
3. Get Married > I-130 > IR / CR
4. B1/B2 > Get Married > I-130 + I-485 + I-765 > IR / CR
What makes the difference is the time and the money cost and where you are waiting for the permanent residency.
#3 is the cheapest, easiest but you can't enter the United States until you are approved (You will stay in Hong Kong in all time).
2009-11-02 02:44:00 補充:
#4 is the fastest (since you have the visa), but the most trouble-making (as they will focus on your intentional violation of your staying condition). Also, there is a risk that you can be denied entry.
It really depends on how you want it.
2009-11-02 02:44:14 補充:
Let me know if you need any references.